Mumbai, February 3: In a deeply emotional tribute following the tragic plane crash that claimed the life of former Deputy Chief Minister and NCP leader Ajit Pawar, his son Jay Pawar has poured out his grief on social media. Sharing old photographs with his father, Jay wrote a poignant message that has touched hearts across Maharashtra.
‘Dad, I miss you so much. I wish time could stop. I would hug you tight and stay like that forever. Missing you terribly, Dad,’ read the post uploaded on Instagram and WhatsApp status. The raw emotion in Jay’s words underscores the profound personal loss amid the political vacuum left by Ajit Pawar’s sudden demise.
Jay Pawar, who maintains a low profile despite his involvement in the family’s cooperative businesses, had been actively campaigning for NCP in recent local body elections including Lok Sabha, Vidhan Sabha, and municipal polls. Baramati residents and party workers describe him as media-shy, preferring to work behind the scenes.
The fatal incident occurred on January 28 when Ajit Pawar was flying into Baramati for district council and panchayat samiti election campaigning. The plane crashed during landing on the runway, killing Ajit and four others on board. Thousands gathered at Vidya Pratisthan Ground in Baramati the next day for his last rites, a testament to his enduring popularity.
In the aftermath, Ajit Pawar’s wife Sunetra Pawar has stepped into his shoes as Deputy Chief Minister, taking charge of Excise, Sports, and Minority Development portfolios. On Monday, she paid homage at Yashwantrao Chavan’s memorial in Karad before returning to Baramati. The Pawar family will receive condolences at their ‘Sahyog’ residence in Katewadi until 4 PM Tuesday.
Ajit Pawar’s death has reshaped Maharashtra’s political landscape, with his family’s resilience shining through personal tragedy. Jay’s post serves as a stark reminder of the human cost behind public lives.